Research Fuels Northern Rivers' Healing Journey

No community comes together quite like the Northern Rivers. The devastating floods in early 2022 had a lasting impact, on people, communities and the environment. On the third anniversary of the floods, we look at some of the research that has been taking place at Southern Cross University to support the region's recovery and the projects that could shape its future for many years to come.

Understanding flood impacts on estuaries

PhD candidate Muhammad Islami, Professor Kirsten Benkendorff, and a wider team of Marine Science students and researchers have been conducting extensive field sampling to assess the impact of the floods on estuarine ecosystems, which suffered from heavy sedimentation and pollution.

Muhammad's PhD focuses on how populations of macrobenthic species (such as worms, cockles, and crabs) change over time, what environmental factors influence them, and how flood-related stressors affect these important seabed creatures.

Professor Benkendorff, who supervises the study, emphasised their significance.

"Macrobenthic invertebrates turn over the sediment and keep it aerated. They're also the basis of the food chain, feeding many of the fish we catch commercially and recreationally," said Professor Benkendorff.

"Since the floods, we observed a significant accumulation of fine clay and silt, which filled air pockets in the sediment, reducing oxygen levels, which is a major stressor for these invertebrate communities.

"While the lower estuaries near the ocean showed signs of recovery, the upper estuaries continued to experience runoff events bringing in more sediment and heavy metals."

A new vision for the Northern Rivers campus

In 2024, a bold Master Plan was unveiled to revitalise the 75-hectare Northern Rivers campus in Lismore, reimagining it as the Southern Cross Learning Precinct or Gnibi Wandarahn in the local Bundjalung language.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Tyrone Carlin described the plan as "a dynamic, multi-faceted hub of research, innovation, and community partnerships that will change the way the region interacts with the University forever."

The Master Plan prioritises sustainability, community engagement, and cutting-edge research. It sets a goal for a zero-carbon economy by 2035 and includes plans for new student accommodation, a redeveloped Goodman Plaza, an outdoor amphitheatre, expanded green spaces, and a public Bundjalung Place for cultural engagement.

"It delivers state-of-the-art facilities for research and learning, enterprise zones for regional development, and supports the inclusion of vibrant public spaces promoting inclusivity and cultural richness," Professor Carlin said.